This set of three films provides an outstanding showcase for the artistry of dancer Roberto Bolle, a ballet star of our own time. For the 75th anniversary celebrations of The Royal Ballet, Frederick Ashtons Sylvia was restored to the splendour of its elegant and opulent three\-act form. Casting Bolle as Aminta alongside Darcey Bussell in the title role, this is a wonderful showcase for virtuosity, invention and classical beauty. By contrast Roland Petits Notre\-Dame de Paris exudes modernity, with its cool choreography and chic costumes by Yves Saint\-Laurent. Here Bolles tragic Quasimodo, by turns fierce and tender, dances opposite Natalia Osipova as Esmeralda. In a second production from La Scala, the Ballet Corps traditional Grand Gala aligns with Milans tenure as host city of EXPO 2015, and Roberto Bolle, as one of La Scalas étoiles, plays a central role in the stunning programme of excerpts. He performs the pas de deux from yet another Petit masterwork, dancing Don José to Polina Semionovas Carmen, along with the mesmerizing contemporary solo Prototype. Recorded in true Surround Sound.
